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Ok so my last post was a little tongue in cheek, but although I didn’t seriously expect England to go on and win Euro 2008, I DID expect them to qualify, as did virtually everybody else.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy and that the Croatians would have a go at us rather than sit back, but I still thought we would manage a draw, although it might have been better had Russia not lost against Israel so that we would have HAD to win.  History shows that when we try and play for a draw we cock it up.

There will be a few million words written about the issues and the game itself but I may as well add my two penneth.

England as I see it are like a mid table Premier League side.  When everybody is fully fit they would qualify for Europe and might even be a top 4 side, but they simply don’t have the depth in squad when a few key players are injured. 

People will blame the formation but truly world class players can adapt to any system, whereas we have proved time and again that is not the case.

People will blame the selection of poor old Scott Carson - I was a little dumbfounded as well and almost posted yesterday questioning the decision but didn’t want to be negative.  As it turned out it was a fatal decision not only for McClaren but for Carson himself.  It will take some getting over that’s for sure.  McClaren/Clemence must have been confident in him but the facts are he has only played 53 Premiership games, is only 22 and would have never experienced pressure like he did last night, which would have been exacerbated by the conditions.

I’m not Calamity James’ biggest fan and Robinson is lacking confidence but both have miles more experience than Carson.  In big games like last night you need experience.  Carson could have been played in over a few friendlies before Euro 2008 if it is felt he is the next number one.

Many people are talking about passion (or lack of it). The problem was not lack of passion but more big night nerves.  For that the management team need to take some responsiblity as do the media, but sometimes there is nothing that can be done.  

I’ve played in a few finals over the years at different levels although nowhere near the international stage it has to be said. The feelings are the same though whatever the level - its all relative.  Sometimes you wake up and are ready to go but on others you just dont feel right.  Its impossible to put a finger on it but your body just wont respond no matter what you try and do to relax.  This is the same in all sports - look at sprinters, who sometimes just cannot get out of the blocks in the big final.

The pressure on last nights game was immense, caused mostly by the failure to take chances in other games, but alos by the media.  Defeat and you will be ridiculed, win and they will say you were lucky or it was expected.

I have some sympathy for McClaren - look at the chances that have been spurned in this campaign - firstly against Andorra, then Richard, and Gerrard against Russia.  Then there was the Rooney penalty that never was against Russia.  Yes they were given a second chance by Israel, but they would have been home and hosed well before then if they had taken the chances in other matches.  

The manager cannot be blamed for missed chances or poor decisions by the officials - if he selects a team which creates the chances surely he has done his bit?.  At some stage the players have to perform don’t they?

However, when all is said and done, McClaren has paid the ultimate penalty and no matter what every England fan felt watching the match, imagine what he must have felt knowing what defeat would mean.

In fairness England started as brightly as they have for a long time, but once the first goal went in there was complete and utter shock/panic - had Wright-Phillips actually stuck his chance away then it might have been different. 

Anyway, that’s the summer ruined.  I might go and sell my tv and if Morinho gets the job I might go and watch netball.